In the glorious aftermath of the Red Storm’s victory over Duke – and it was glorious – a big worry would be that the Red Storm would be basking in the glow of the victory and forget the real task at have, the next game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
But it’s hard to forget Rutgers.
For one, they ripped St. John’s to shreds last year, despite a history of being unable to score on their own in empty gyms and some wildly inefficient players, they put up 84 points at a blistering pace. They weren’t that good on offense before – or again. The Red Storm players remember. Paris Horne in the pregame press conference:
“Rutgers is a rival to us. And they beat us last year… this game is probably more important than the Duke game.”
Coach Lavin gave the players two hours to celebrate after the Duke game. That’s a coach who knows his priorities. At 4-5 in the Big East, the Red Storm need every win they can squeeze out to get to the NCAA Tournament. The way that Duke team played, they could have lost to a lot of programs; Rutgers will come out with that intensity they’re becoming famous for.
The fans can bask in the Duke victory; the Johnnies cannot. The Scarlet Knights are just a game behind in the standings. And St. John’s needs to make a February run. Will the Red Storm handle their business at home against the tough Rutgers squad, or will they falter after their big win?
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Rutgers (12-9, 3-6)
The one thing everyone notes about the Scarlet Knights is how they play with their coach’s trademark intensity. Former Robert Morris coach Mike Rice is already famous for his aggressive and intense coaching style – he’s almost unhinged on the sidelines in crucial moments. That style squeezes a lot out of a Rutgers roster that was deemed too small, too young, and too thin to compete in the Big East this year. Despite only 9 scholarship athletes and few stars or up-and-coming stars, the team is giving difficulties to the best teams in the league.
Their game plan starts with tenacious team defense, especially inside the arc; and it continues with careful ball handling. Unlike previous Scarlet Knight teams, the players take care of the ball, and don’t dribble into trouble every third possession. Mike Coburn – a previously butterfingered guard – has found his handle and is contributing with solid passing, a nice outside shot, and a lot of free throw attempts. The other starter at guard, James Beatty, often brings the ball up, but is deadlier because of his outside shot – most of his shots are threes.
The main defensive targets for St. John’s should be Dane Miller and Jonathan Mitchell. Miller is the team’s most athletic and most promising player. He’s been more careful with the ball, but his shots don’t always fall. His shot selection leaves a bit to be desired, as well. But boy, can Miller run and block shots from the wing. Jonathan Mitchell, former Mr. Basketball from Mt. Vernon, NY, takes a good number of shots from inside and outside. But unlike his past seasons, he looks to get the ball near the basket at times, showing his versatility.
Rounding out the starters is Gilvydas Biruta. Biruta’s style lends to rampant fouling; a mobile forward can get him into trouble, but he can really hold his own with force of will and natural strength. His game’s not pretty, but he’s a very effective banger who is efficient deep in the paint. He is the team’s most efficient rebounder on both ends, blocks some shots, and draws a lot of fouls.
Austin Johnson and Mike Poole serve as the backups, along with some minutes from Robert Lumpkins and Austin Carroll. Austin Johnson plays because he is big. He can score a little inside, but isn’t an adept rebounder. Mike Poole’s offense isn’t always there – play him for the outside shot – but his defense has been sterling at the guard and wing positions at times. He is versatile. Lumpkins gives some minutes inside and can shoot from outside on occasion. Austin Carroll doesn’t get much time, but he’s a shooter.
Keys to the Game
Bring Sunday’s Energy. This is no time for a let-down. This game counts; and the Red Storm need to be around .500 in the league standings to have a shot to finally dance. The Johnnies need to defend, to run, to force miscues and not turn the ball over themselves.
Win the Ugly Game. There will be a lot of missed shots in this contest if everything goes according to plan; St. John’s has to get to those steals, those offensive rebounds, those bouncing balls.
Draw Fouls Inside. The game can be controlled with aggressive plays to the inside to get the Rutgers forwards in foul trouble; the Scarlet Knights are thin and not that tall inside, and more fouls mean the Red Storm will play against much less talented players.
Hit the Open Shots. The Scarlet Knights like to chase and trap, and they will leave shooters open on the perimeter. Those are chances that the Red Storm have to capitalize on.
Defend the Perimeter. The Scarlet Knights aren’t sharpshooters, but they can get hot. And St. John’s does have holes in defending the perimeter.
Prediction: This feels like a trap game, but I think the Red Storm pull it out. St. John’s 67, Rutgers 61